Watford's New Captain Mattie Pollock on Leadership and Team Culture
Mattie Pollock, the newly appointed captain of Watford FC, has spoken about his leadership style and ambitions for the club. The defender hopes to instigate a culture shift within the dressing room while reconnecting the team with fans.
Driving Standards and Building Connections
Pollock is prepared to be unpopular if it means driving standards on the pitch. He says: 'For the last few years, especially under Clevs [Tom Cleverley] when I stepped up as vice-captain a couple of times, I like to drive standards. I like to push people, if the lads hate me on the football pitch then so be it, that's just going to have to be the way.'
However, off the pitch, he hopes to build strong relationships with his teammates and fans alike. He adds: 'But off the pitch I'd like to say there wouldn't be one person who wouldn’t come and have a coffee with me afterwards, that’s my role. Ultimately my ambition is to take the club back where it should be.'
Personal Journey and Future Plans
Pollock has been with Watford for five years and has undergone significant personal development since hitting a low point in October 2022. He says: 'This is my football club. I've been here for five years and I've done a tour of Hertfordshire having lived all over. I've met people, I've learned about the club, what it actually means to be from Watford and I think the fans have really enjoyed the 100% effort I try to give.'
He is optimistic about the squad's future and hopes for more players who are committed to the club's values. Pollock states: 'Now we need players who know the club, know what the club and the fans want. It’s not rocket science. We need hard workers, we have a lot of young lads here with so much quality and we need a little bit more experience, a bit of a helping hand.'
Future Player Recruitment
Pollock is excited about the summer transfer window and believes that Watford should focus on bringing in players who are committed to working hard. He says: 'It doesn't have to be the flashiest players, it's hard work and I think the club know that. I think they are doing the right things and I'm as excited as every fan to see who we bring in and how we can start the season.'
In a tweet, Pollock expressed his honor at being named captain: 'Honoured to be captain of this club 💛🖤❤️' (Mattie Pollock @Mattiepollock4)
Watford fans are looking forward to seeing what Pollock and the team can achieve under his leadership.
